LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION

The aim of this tutorial is to help you to understand the relationships between language, communication, and critical thinking.

Good communication skills are an essential part of critical thinking

Communication skills enable effective critical thinking and decision-making.

Effective communication involves several related skills: Keeping avenues of communication open Communicating with others clearly and accurately Taking care with word use Developing awareness of your own and others’ language use People’s communication styles

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Language is the key

Language is a system of communication with arbitrary symbols, whether spoken, written, or non-verbal.

By creating a shared reality among people, language is the primary means of transmitting cultural concepts and traditions, including critical thinking skills.

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Functions of language

Language has one basic function: the communication of information about ourselves and the world. This is informative language.

Other functions of language include: Directive language – used to direct or influence actions Expressive language – communicates feelings, used to

generate emotive impact Ceremonial language – used in prescribed formal

circumstances

Most languages serve multiple functions.

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Language enables effective critical thinking

Using language effectively to convey information, provide direction, and express feelings is essential for individual and collaborative critical thinking.

It is important to understand that while language greatly enriches our communication of ideas and feelings, it also can contribute to ambiguity and misunderstanding.

Intellectual curiosity and awareness of other people’s language use are two critical thinking skills that can make us less susceptible to misunderstanding and manipulation.

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Nonverbal language

Nonverbal cues, such as body language and vocal tone, often help us interpret verbal communication.

Nonverbal cues are commonly used to reinforce verbal communication.

Images, such as artwork or photographs, are also means of communicating ideas and feelings.

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Language is a cultural construct

Good critical thinkers realize that word choices and nonverbal cues significantly influence how verbal communication is interpreted – or misinterpreted.

The following approaches greatly assist effective communication: Communicate clearly, and be conscious of language’s

complexity and flexibility Be willing to ask people for clarification if you are uncertain of

their meaning

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Same word, different meanings

Like all languages, the English language is in constant flux. This dynamic state means that word meanings change constantly as words move in and out of use.

In order to communicate accurately and clearly, it is important to understand the difference between the denotative and connotative meanings of words.

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Denotative and connotative meanings

All words have both denotative and connotative meanings.

The denotative meaning of a word or phrase expresses the properties of the object, being, or event the word is symbolizing; its dictionary definition.

The connotative meaning of a word or phrase includes feelings and personal feelings based on past experiences and associations. This means a word’s connotative meaning may be in a dictionary listing, but also could be shared only among small groups. Stereotypes are a good example.

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Types of word definitions

There are four major types of word definitions: Stipulative definitions are definitions given to new words

or terms, or are new definitions of existing words. Lexical definitions are the commonly used dictionary

definitions for words or terms. Precising definitions are used to reduce vagueness. They

are split into two subsets: (a) theoretical definitions, used to provide theory, and (b) operational definitions, used to provide standards in data collection.

Persuasive definitions are used to influence or persuade others.

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Evaluating definitions

Five criteria are useful in evaluating word definitions.

Good definitions are neither too broad nor too narrow. Good definitions state the essential attributes of the term

being defined. Good definitions are not circular. Good definitions avoid obscure and figurative language. Good definitions avoid emotive language.

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Communication styles

Good critical thinkers are aware that there are differences in individual as well as in group communication styles.

Understanding our styles and those of others facilitates good relationship communications and critical thinking skills.

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Communication styles

There are four basic types of communication style. Assertive communicators clearly and respectfully

communicate their own needs and strive for mutually satisfactory solutions.

Aggressive communicators attempt to get their own way by controlling other people through manipulation and control tactics.

Passive communicators avoid confrontation and are compliant, often putting their needs after those of others.

Passive-aggressive communicators avoid direct confrontation but use devious means to get their own way.

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Communication styles: other factors

Other factors may influence communication styles. These factors include, but are not limited to Gender Ethnicity Culture Dress

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Language as manipulation

Language can be used to deceive as well as to inform.

Typically, manipulation occurs through the use of three devices: emotive language, rhetorical devices, and/or deliberate deception.

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Emotive language

Emotive language:

Emotive language is used to elicit a certain emotional impact, either positive or negative. When a factual issue arises, emotive language can slant the truth and obscure our critical thinking abilities.

It is particularly dangerous when used to cover weak arguments, for marketing purposes, or when it masquerades as news in the media.

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Rhetorical devices

Rhetorical devices, like emotive language, use psychological persuasion rather than reason to persuade others.

Common rhetorical devices include Euphemisms Dysphemisms Sarcasm Hyperbole

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Euphemisms and dysphemisms

Euphemisms replace negative terms with neutral or positive terms in order to conceal or sugar-coat the truth.

Dysphemisms, in contrast to euphemisms, use negative terms to produce negative effects. They are often used to win over one group, while at the same time alienating others.

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Sarcasm and hyperbole

Sarcasm involves the use of ridicule, insults, taunting, and/or caustic irony. Like other rhetorical devices, it is used to deflect critical analysis and to encourage feelings of disapproval toward the subject.

Hyperbole is a device that uses exaggeration or overstatement to distort the facts.

As good critical thinkers, we must be able to recognize and resist these rhetorical devices.

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Deception and lying

Although rhetorical devices may involve deception, the deception is not always deliberate.

A lie, on the other hand, is a deliberate attempt to mislead without prior consent.

Lies can Damage trust Derail honest communication

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Detecting lies

As good critical thinkers, we must be able to detect, recognize and challenge lies.

Always cross-verify and check information Be aware of nonverbal cues of lying, such as less

physical movement and blinking, changes in voice tone and pitch, errors in storytelling, etc.

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Conclusions

Language is a form of symbolic communication that allows us to organize, express and critically analyze our experiences. It shapes our understanding of reality and of ourselves. Good communication skills are vital in critical thinking.

As good critical thinkers, we need to clearly define terms, be mindful of our communication styles and those of others, and be aware of the manipulative and deceptive powers of language.

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